The Black Swan, the bird emblem of WA, may be seen anywhere in Australia. It may fly long distances, is always on or near water and usually lives in flocks.

This is a very large, black swan with white wing tips and a red bill. It may make loud bugling calls or croon softly.

Black Swans feed on waterweed and other plants growing near water. Swans nest after rain. A pair builds a nest of reeds and grasses on the ground or in shallow water. From 4-10 greenish eggs are incubated for up to 45 days. The cygnets stay with their parents for between 5 and 6 months.

While molting, swans are flightless. They gather in large flocks on water.